Why This Trade Would Benefit The New Orleans Pelicans
In the offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans made it clear that they are interested in building around Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Ingram signed an extension and New Orleans sent Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks. This was a move to get younger and they could continue that at the NBA trade deadline.
Once Jrue Holiday was sent away, the attention quickly went to Redick and Eric Bledsoe, who came over in the Holiday deal. Lonzo Ball is a name that has surfaced in recent weeks but they could choose to keep him if they feel the need.
This trade is not more about the return for the Orleans but what they would be giving up. JJ Redick is on an expiring contract and will not be on the team next year. It makes sense for the Pelicans to send him away for a return rather than letting him leave in free agency for nothing.
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a guard who has been starting for the Lakers. He has a winning mentality from last season and could bring a bit of leadership to a young roster. At the end of the day, Caldwell-Pope does not seem like a long-term option either but at least New Orleans would be able to get something for Redick.
